CHILLICOTHE - Strong schools and strong local economies go hand in hand. The Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce today announced its endorsement of a YES vote on the Nov. 4 ballot for the Chillicothe City Schools 5.1-mill emergency levy.

The Chamber’s Advocacy Committee met with district representatives last week and recommended an endorsement to the full board at its meeting. The vote to endorse was unanimous.

“As a Chamber, we exist to help businesses and people grow and thrive—and that starts with excellent schools,” said Mike Throne, President & CEO of the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce. “From Kenworth to our new manufacturing path forward with U.S. Paper Mill Co., to the growing healthcare and tech sectors, our employers need graduates who are ready to think critically, solve problems, and work with modern technology. Strong STEM programs are central to that mission, and this levy helps protect the kind of classroom experiences that build a skilled, homegrown workforce.”

The Chamber’s endorsement reflects three core priorities:

•    Workforce readiness: High-quality STEM education equips students with the skills local employers need today and in the future.

•   Economic competitiveness: Communities with strong schools attract and retain talent, support entrepreneurship, and strengthen the vitality of small businesses.

•   Fiscal responsibility: The Chamber appreciates the district’s approach in identifying and implementing cuts where they could be made while striving to protect classroom instruction and student opportunities.

“We’ve been encouraged by the district’s willingness to make difficult, thoughtful reductions while keeping students at the center,” Throne added. “This levy is a practical step to stabilize essential services and maintain momentum in programs that directly impact our talent pipeline.”

The Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce is nonpartisan and evaluates local issues through the lens of long-term community prosperity. In endorsing a YES vote, the Chamber encourages voters to review the district’s information, ask questions, and participate in the democratic process on Nov. 4.